Stockport sank deeper into the relegation mire as they fell to their sixth straight defeat at Fratton Park.

Carlton Palmer's County side fought hard and looked on course to secure a hard-won point, however, two late goals from giant striker Peter Crouch and Steve Lovell left the Hatters facing the long journey back from Fratton with nothing to show for their endeavours.

It was tough on County as they deserved, at the least, a share of the spoils for battling bravely against Pompey, and the elements on a bitterly cold day on the south coast.

Lescott again impressed by effectively marking Pompey danger man Robert Prosinecki out of the game, and almost gave Stockport the lead on 30 minutes when he fired narrowly past the upright.

But Pompey also had their chances in the first-half with Lee Jones having to be at his best to deny efforts from Neil Barrett and Steve Lovell.

Shortly after the interval, Luke Beckett, making his first start in County colours, came close to scoring when latching upon a save from a Shefki Kuqi shot. However, Pompey defender Lewis Buxton managed to muscle Beckett slightly off the ball, ensuring his shot went wide of the unguarded net.

Stockport's failure to convert chances was cruelly punished on 72 minutes when Crouch put Pompey into the lead.

And in the dying minutes, Steve Lovell doubled the South Coast side's advantage to leave Stockport still searching for a much-needed, and if present form continues, miraculous revival in fortunes.